See China

Zou Lan, an economist specializing in regional development and West China poverty issues, recalls his lifelong addiction to the diversified and dynamic music of West China. Exclusively on See China in 5 parts, with links to online mp3.

In a recent interview of Opera News, DAVID HSIEH talked with two Chinese artists who established their names in the world opera scene — bass Hao Jiang Tian (田浩江, literally meaning big river) and bass-baritone Shenyang (沈洋, somehow also literally meaning big ocean, and the English spelling of two names are not even coherent, with the former being “westernized” and the latter in natural Chinese order).

Over the past two weekends, Beijing played host to three major music festivals, showing the breadth of the Chinese music scene. Local independent music label Modern Sky put on the Strawberry Music Festival, which has an indie-rock bent featuring Chinese acts and a smattering of international bands. The Midi Festival, organized by Beijing’s Midi School of Music, has a more rock ‘n’ roll vibe, a punk- and metal-heavy lineup, and an eleven-year history. And the smaller Ditan Park Folk Festival was launched just last year by an independent promoter who also owns a guitar shop in Beijing.

Although Su Cong is the only Chinese citizen to win a Golden Globe, a Grammy award, and an Oscar, he’s not the only one to be honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

If you think your friends know more about Chinese culture than you do, stump them with this one: name the only Chinese citizen ever to win an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy Award.

What does a pipa (琵琶) sound like? It sounds like it’s spelled.
The pipa is one of the world’s few major instruments that derives its name from the sound it makes.
Its four strings are plucked with picks worn on the performer’s fingertips. Depending on which direction the string is plucked, it produces either a “pi” [...]

What would a holiday be without music? Just as Christmas music fills the airwaves in many Western countries at Christmas time, the festive music of Spring Festival can be heard throughout China as people gather together to celebrate the New Year. Music has always played an important role in Chinese culture and tradition. Confucius himself [...]